Summertimes (almost) here, and you want to ride your bicycle. You want to ride it where you please. While reported bike thefts in this city are down over the past few years, bike-jacking is still a major issue. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your bike safe while youre out enjoying the sunshine.

1). Use a strong U-lockû ‹ Most wire locks are easily snipped, but it takes a much stronger tool to break a U-lock. While a basic U-lock runs about $30, local bike advocate Paul Adkins suggests buying a more expensive one to protect bikes youre particularly attached to. Simply locking your bike frame to an appropriate spot and fitting the U-lock around the front wheel as well as possible will deter most potential bike thieves. Also, a smaller U-lock is harder to break. øYou cant use a car jack to break open a U-lock if the lock is too small," advises Paul Nicholson of Pauls Bicycle Way of Life.

2). Have a chain lock as wellû ‹ The frame and front wheels are not the only part of your bike that can be stolen. Wrapping a chain around the other valuable parts will offer further protection. øA thief is less inclined to go through the trouble of cutting a chain if he still cant get the frame or wheel," Nicholson says.

3). Dont leave the bike out overnightû ‹ øThe majority of bike thefts are either because it [the bike] isnt properly locked or someone left it overnight," Adkins says.û Hes got a point ‹ you dont often see people carrying around car jacks and wire cutters in broad daylight, do you?

4). Park your bike in conspicuous placesû ‹ It may seem like a good idea to stash your bike behind some bushes, but remember: If your bike is not in plain view, then it will also be harder to see someone steal it. øBike thieves love finding bicycles locked up in places out of sight," Nicholson says.û

5). Register your bikeû ‹ Pauls Bicycle Way of Life has a handy database that keeps track of registration numbers, bike types, manufacturers, colors, etc. Registration is free, as is the reporting of lost and found bikes. It is a great tool for trying to recover your bike if the unthinkable happens. ‹ John Locanthi